Does Monsoon Affect Your Mood? Monsoon Depression It Can Be!

AS SOON AS SUMMERY DAYS TAKE BACK SEAT, CLOUDY DAYS TAKE THE DRIVER’S SEAT. THIS IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR WHICH I KEEP ON WAITING FOR. MONSOON IT IS.

That muddy smell, those drizzles, the breezy feel are enough to soothe your soul. We all have some unforgettable memories associated with the monsoons and the day these rains fall off, it triggers those memory cells.

We call it “Nostalgia”. Whenever such memory ghosts spook us, we travel backwards.

But do you know these sudden mood swings and “being nostalgic” thing can be something else?

Yes! It can be Monsoon Depression. It is one of the states of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

What is Monsoon Depression?

Dr. Rosenthal, a renowned author and psychiatrist, described that how a persons’ vulnerability can be increased due to inadequate and absence of sunlight.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. It is sub-set of multiple generic depressive conditions instead of one unique disorder itself.

Symptoms of Monsoon Depression:

Kelly Rohan, a SAD expert at the University of Vermont, explains the symptoms of seasonal depression as low energy level, overeating, irritability, fatigue, lack of pleasure in otherwise enjoyable activities and social withdrawal etc.

If specifically talk about the Monsoon Depression, which people feel during the month of June to August, the major symptoms are increased lethargy, mood swings, tiredness, bouts of overeating and excessive sleep.

Some of us also feel an increased desire to eat fried foods or foods high in carbohydrates or sugar, filling themselves with treats to distract from their monsoon depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder with Monsoon Depression is just a psychological response towards the absence of light. Low sunlight affects the production of melatonin, serotonin and Vitamin D, three integral influencers which control our mood. Melatonin is responsible for lethargy and drowsiness, neurotransmitter Serotonin affects mood and appetite wherein the lack of Vitamin D increases depression.

Treatment of Monsoon Depression:

Exposure to the Sun Light and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are two major treatment including medicines for some cases. Many Psychiatrists prescribes CBT with medication for Monsoon Depression depending upon the intensity of monsoon blues or mood fluctuations.

Healthy food, regular exercise, social support etc. are few methods through which you can cure monsoon depression.

Many of us enjoy Monsoons with full of zeal, the most energetic season of the year which brings happiness, harmony and peace to the life. The most awaited and affectionate season. We feel nostalgic and face mood fluctuations but this is not Monsoon Depression in all cases. That can be temporary mood swings. If it persists for long then it is a matter of concern.